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This is an excellent time to have broadband. As we report in our cover story, "The Broadband Lifestyle", the amount of content designed specifically for broadband has never been greater. Your choices now include just about everythingvideo highlights of news and sports, quick downloads of software applications, legal downloads of music and movies, Internet phone call services, and games you can play against friends across the street or around the world.

Our surveys indicate that most of our readers have had broadband for some time now, and it's quickly becoming the mainstream method of connecting to the Internet for large numbers of Americans.

All is not wonderful, though. Readers continue to complain that the cost of broadband is going up, even though service is not getting any faster. I find that surprising, especially given improvements in the technology. This is proof that the phone company/cable company duopoly isn't working, and explains the interest in solutions like broadband over power lines (BPL) and WiMAX.

Many phone companies have started offering DSL for less than the cost of cable modems. And some of the cable companies are beginning to roll out somewhat faster services at 4 or 6 Mbps. Still, compared with speeds of 20 Mbps available in some countries, U.S. systems are downright poky.

I love having an always-on connection on all my machines, so I can instantly access information wherever I am. But such access does have its downsides: Internet worms, tracking software, and zombie machines all take advantage of always-on connections.

Nevertheless, broadband's pros greatly outweigh its cons. Now if only we could get it faster and cheaper.

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